The College of Arts and Sciences offers interdisciplinary marine science double major programs (marine science/biology, marine science/chemistry, and marine science/geology) culminating in the bachelor of science (BS) degree. These double-major curricula give the student a focused exposure to include general education requirements, single disciplinary requirements, and the interdisciplinary courses that represent studies in the field of marine science. A minor in marine science is available to students whose major fields are biology, chemistry, or geology.

Degree requirements. Students earning the bachelor of science (BS) degree in marine science/biology must complete all University, college (see p. 50-52), and departmental degree requirements. These include the general education requirements, the following double major requirements, and sufficient other credits to total a minimum of 120 applicable semester hours.

Admission into the major. Students are expected to formally declare both majors no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). With the assistance of an advisor in the major departments, students should complete the “Declaration of Major” forms.

Grade point average. A 2.0 grade point average in each major is required for completion of the degree. Both major GPAs are calculated based on all courses applicable to each major that the student has attempted at UA and all work applicable to each major that the student has attempted throughout the entire higher education career.

Major courses. The majors in marine science/biology require the successful completion of the following courses:

Additional major requirements. Students are not permitted to count the same required major courses toward completion of a second major or minor. Students may count required ancillary courses for one major toward the requirements of another major. The biology department offers a number of courses designed to enrich the learning experience of students beyond the traditional classroom setting. These courses include BSC 391, BSC 396, BSC 398, BSC 403, and BSC 407. Beyond specific restrictions listed for each course, a total of 4 hours from this group may be applied to the requirements of the biology major or minor. An additional 4 hours may be applied as electives to the requirement for 120 hours for the degree. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have met all University, college, major, and minor requirements. However, each student must meet with an advisor in the major department for academic planning and to be cleared for registration each semester.

Special opportunities. During the summer semester, a large suite of marine science courses is offered at the Dauphin Island campus of the Alabama Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium.